Greenon Local Schools is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of two outstanding student artists, Senior Addy Ricketts and Freshman Violet Breland, who both placed in the prestigious Congressional Art Competition for Congressman Mike Carey’s Ohio 15th District.
Addy Ricketts’ painting, “Hiding in Hues,” earned first place out of 85 submitted works from across the district. Her winning piece will hang in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. for one year.
Freshman Violet Breland’s drawing, “Search for Solace,” earned third place in the competition. Her artwork will be displayed for one year in Congressman Carey’s district office in Columbus.
This marks the third consecutive year that a Greenon student has won the Congressional Art Competition, and the second year in a row that two Greenon students have placed in the top three—a testament to the thriving arts program at Greenon and the dedication of its student artists and Mr. Ferguson, Greenon’s High School art teacher.
In addition to her success in the Congressional competition, Violet was also recognized this past Sunday at the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition Awards Ceremony. Her piece, “Nostalgia’s Glow,” was selected as one of the top 25 works in the state, chosen from more than 6,700 entries from across Ohio.
Art teacher Mr. Ferguson shared his respect for both students:
“Addy truly loves creating art. Her passion is on full display every day in the classroom. She works tirelessly to perfect her craft. The growth she has made as an artist over her four years in my classroom is amazing. It’s exciting to know she will continue her art career in college,” Ferguson said.
He said about Violet, “I have never met anyone quite like Violet—student or adult—in my life. No one is more driven than her. She has a talent like I’ve never seen, but she doesn’t rest on her talent. She continues to push herself to get better and better. She has created some of the most remarkable works of art I have ever seen from a student.”
Mr. Ferguson concluded, “They are both amazing people. It is an honor and privilege to work with them each day.”
Congratulations to Addy and Violet for their incredible achievements. We can’t wait to see where their artistic journeys will take them next!
